Periodontist Las Vegas

Are Your Teeth and Gums at Risk of Periodontal Disease

Our Las Vegas Periodontist can diagnose periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. One of the most common dental problems and visits to the dentist in Las Vegas, NV within the adult age groups. Gum disease is also one of the leading causes for loss of teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth. The bacteria can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, which can spread and destroy your gums and the tooth appearance as well as the bone in your mouth and jaw.

Signs of Gum Disease and the Need for a Periodontist

Without the appropriate dental care from our gentle hygienist at Hi Tech Dental Care, gum disease can affect the tissues that support and surround each tooth. In many situations, without treatment, gum disease can also lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and other life threatening diseases. These are some of the symptoms of gum disease which require immediate attention from one of our highly trained hygienist.

  • Gums that bleed when brushing and/or flossing
  • Swollen and/or tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Chronic bad breath that does not go away
  • Frequent toothaches
  • A tooth (or several) that have shifted or changed position for no reason

Types of Gum Disease

There are several different types of gum disease. Fortunately for you, your Hi Tech Dental Care dentist in Las Vegas is able to provide a range of care for treating gum disease. The mildest form of dental infection is gingivitis, which only affects the gums. More severe types of gum disease, such as periodontitis can cause damage to other structures that support a tooth, which can lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of dental gum disease, is caused by a buildup of plaque. The plaque contains bacteria which can harm the gums. Gingivitis is a common type of dentistry problem; approximately 3 out of 4 adults experience some degree of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed with a combination of oral health care at home, routine dentistry visits and a thorough cleaning by our gentle hygienist.

Periodontitis is a more advanced gum disease that affects all of the tissues that support each tooth, including both the bone and the gums. Periodontitis causes your gums to become detached from your teeth and spaces (pockets) to form between each tooth and the gums. Plaque builds up in the space, which eventually destroys the bone and ligament supporting each tooth. In serious cases, a tooth become loose and may fall out. Unfortunately, periodontitis cannot be completely reversed by your cosmetic dentist; however, with proper oral health you can prevent periodontitis from worsening, which may help prevent tooth loss. Your Hi Tech Dental dentist and hygienist in Las Vegas will examine your mouth and the appearance of your smile to determine which treatment is best suited to the degree of your periodontitis.

Gum disease can pose a serious threat to your oral health as well as your general health. In most cases, gum disease can be controlled with appropriate oral health care. However when gum disease is diagnosed, the earlier it is treated, the better.

For more information on periodontics or to schedule an appointment for a consultation with a same day dentist, contact Dr. Kayla Mai.